Hall County, Nebraska - Chapter 28, 1920 (part 11 of 16)

Mr. Prince was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, April 6, 1891, and is a son of Willard A. Prince of whom mention is made on other pages of this volume. Reared in his native city, Harold A. attended the public schools and graduated from the Grand Island high school with the class of 1909. He then entered the Nebraska State University where he received the degree of A. B. in 1913, and the degree of LL.B. in 1915, then entered upon the practice of the law in partnership with his father.

May 11, 1917 he enlisted in the army and went into the first officer's training camp at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and received the commission of second lieutenant. In August, 1917 he sailed for France, landing there September 7th. He was assigned to the Sixteenth Infantry of the Second Division, and later with the One Hundred and Sixty-sixth, One Hundred and Sixty-seventh and finally with the One Hundred and Sixty-eight Infantry, all of them a part of the famous Rainbow Division. He was promoted to first lieutenant in the Argonne. He was in action from February 21, 1918 until November 11, 1918, when the Armistice was signed, and never received a scratch. His command became a part of the Army of Occupation and he remained with them until he was mustered out of the service. May 30, 1919. Here may be mentioned the sectors where he saw service and where the severest fighting of the war took place: Lorraine, February 21st to June 21st; Campagne-Marne defensive, July 4th to July 18th; Marne-Aisne offensive, July 26th to August 2d; St. Mihiel offensive, September 12th to September 30th; Argonne-Meuse offensive, October 5th to November 11th. \\'hen the fighting was over he remained with the Anny of Occupation until mustered out when he returned home with a most splendid military record and deserving the honor due those who helped in the fight for democracy. He has again taken up the practice of law where further honors are sure to follow.

S. N. WOLBACH has been a resident for forty-five years and during this time no man has been more prominently connected with the city's business and financial interests than he.

S. N. Wolbach is a native of New York City, born in 1851. His early education was acquired in the public and private schools of tha.t city, this being supplemented by a course in Bryant and Stratton's Commercial College. He then found employment in a mercantile establishment and held one position five years. He then went to Chicago and found employment, and was there during the great fire, his firm being one of the few who saved their books during that therrible disaster.

In 1874 he came to Grand Island and established the business now known as Wolbach and Sons, the largest concern of its kind in this part of the state.

i\Ir. Wolbach was married in Chicago to Miss Rose Stein and they have become the parents of four sons : Murray W., is a capitalist and resides in Chicago ; E. J., of Grand Island ; Dr. S. B., professor of bacteriology and pathology in Harvard College; and Emil, of Grand Island.

Mr. Wolbach has always been a Democrat and was a member of the lower house of the legislature in 1885, and a member of the state senate in 1887 and 1889. He was an unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor of Nebraska in 1892, on the ticket with J. Sterling Morton.

Mr. Wolbach was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Grand Island and has been president of this institution for many years. He is also connected with several other financial institutions of this part of the state, among them being The Bank of Doniphan, Cairo State Bank and the Ravenna State Bank. He is the owner of four sections of land in

For forty-five years he has been an important factor in the business activities of this section of the state and he is held in the highest esteem wherever known.

JAIMES CLEARY has been a resident of Grand Island for nearly fifty years and during this time has been one of its foremost business men and on several occasions has been called to public office.

James Cleary was born in Tipperary, Ireland, in 1847. He was the son of John and Anna (Russell) Cleary. The mother died in Ireland and in 1850 John Cleary brought his family to the United States establishing his home at Stanton, Virginia, where he became superintendent of an insane asylum. In 1863 he moved to Lewisburg, Virginia, and here his death occured soon after.

James Cleary was reared in Virginia and at the age of sixteen enlisted in the Southern army and served two years during the Civil War, a member of the Fourteenth Virginia Cavalry under General McCausland. Soon after the close of the war he went to Lewisburg, Virginia, and from there to Missouri where he spent one year before going to Colorado. It was in 1870 that he came to Grand Island to establish himself in the hardware business, becoming one of the early merchants of the city, and continued in this line until 1888. He then entered the real estate business which he has continued to the present time and is one of the few survivors of the pioneer merchants of Grand Island.

In 1874 he was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Danahy, a native of Ireland, and they became the parents of four children, as follows: Mary Josephine, at home; James T., an attorney, who met death by drowning in 1909, at the age of twenty-eight; Frank J., cashier of the State Bank of Grand Island; and J. L., mayor of Grand Island.

Mr. Cleary is a Democrat in politics and his fellow-citizens, realizing his ability have called upon him several times to serve in public positions. He was city treasurer in an early day, mayor of the city three terms, member of the county board of supervisors two terms and a member of the city council two terms. He proved a capable official, always loyal to the trust reposed in him.

A. F. BUECHLER. - The press is the recorded voice of the community, and a leading representative of the press of Hall County is A. F. Buechler, editor of the Grand Island Daily Independent and one of the editors in chief of this history of Hall County.

The subject of this sketch was born in Stanton, Illinois, January, 1869, son of Rev. C. and Mrs. Hannah Buechler. The father had emigrated to America from Germany in 1865. The mother's parents came to America from Northern Germany when she was still a babe and the grandfather on the maternal side died in 1871 as a result of injuries and exposure received while fighting for the Union in 1864.

About 1870 the father was called to serve three German congregations in Northern Ohio and here A. F. Buechler attended the public schools until the age of thirteen, at which time his family moved to Thayer County, Nebraska. After a year of school at Carleton, Nebraska, he began work, at the age of fourteen, as a copyist in the ofiice of the county clerk at Hebron, Nebraska, and four months later took a clerkship in the postoffice in the village of Carlton, work which in later years stood him well in hand. He also carried on general clerks duties in the general merchandise store of S. A. Truesdale, the postmaster. In 1885, he began his advanced education, which consisted of one year in the preparatory department and later four years in the college at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1890, with the degree of A. B. His parents, in the meantime, had moved to Grand Island, and early in the fall of 1890 he found employment on the Daily Times as solicitor and reporter. In 1891, S. P. Mobley, then business manager of The Independent, obtained a commission with the state's exhibit at the Chicago World's Fair, and Fred Hedde, the founder, and then editor and owner of the Independent gave Mr. Buechler employment as a general office assistant during the absence of Mr. Mobley. So on August 3, 1891, Mr. Buechler began service with The Independent which has continued until this time. In December, 1895, W. M. Geddes and A. F. Buechler, under the partnership of Geddes & Buechler, leased the Independent plant. In February, 1897, Mr. Hedde again resumed charge of the paper, retaining Mr. Buechler as silent partner. Failing health compelled Mr. Hedde's disposal of the plant in 1900 and Mr. Buechler organized the present Independent publishing Company on a capital of $7,000, merging therewith the Standard Printing Company. He has thus been employed and connected with the Independent for twenty-nine years, for the last nineteen years as president, which office has thus far always assumed the editorship.

In addition to the close association with public affairs of the community which the editorship of a daily paper naturally entails, Mr. Buechler has devoted his time and energy to numerous specific public duties. He has assisted in organizing three commercial clubs, during these twenty-nine years, and for five years served as the first secretary and for four years thereafter as a member of the executive committee of the present organization For two years he also served as secretary of the state association of Commercial Clubs. In 1911, he was appointed postmaster and served one term.

Besides the many tasks which The Independent cheerfully met during the war period,. Mr. Buechler was appointed as one of the first directors of the Red Cross and served throughout the war. He was elected at a mass meeting as one of a War Activities Committee of five, to take over, at request, all war drives, and was upon the organization of the committee elected as its secretary, serving in that capacity up to and including the Victory Loan drive. He also served as publicity committeeman in every war drive throughout the war with the exception of the first Y. M. C. A. which was taken up by the association independently.

He was united in marriage in 1891 to JMrs. Lydia L. Boehm. They have a family of four children ; the eldest, Theo. E. Buechler, graduated with honors from the local high school, attended Grand Island College one year, whereupon he obtained an appointment as cadet for West Point Military' Academy, attended Columbia Preparatory school at Washington, six months, passed the mental and physical examination for entrance at West Point, and upon completion of the course ranked twenty-first in a total entering class of two hundred and fifty-one. He became a captain of artillery, with an assignment of instructor in gunnery in central officers training school, Camp Taylor, Kentucky, and is at present zone major, with the American army at Coblenz, Germany.

Walter E. Buechler, became a corporal in Company B One Hundred and Thirty-seventh ^ Engineers, American Expeditionary Force, France. He volunteered at the age of nineteen with the Seventh Nebraska Regiment, and when that regiment was abandoned by the War Department, carried out his determination to enter the service by enlisting with the Engineer Corps at Jefferson Barracks. Since his return he has resumed his duties with the Independent Publishing Company.

Mr. Buechler's interest in preserving the early history of the county, of which his efforts in 1907 in securing the personal reminiscences of some of surviving members of the original colony of 1857, and other Hall County pioneers, was an invaluable aid in the compilation of the present volume. The steady substantial growth and recognition being accorded in newspaper circles of the state to the Grand Island Daily Independent attests the success of the services of Mr. Buechler and his associates to the Independent Publishing Company, the community in general and Hall County particularly.

DANIEL A. FINCH, D.D.S. - While the principles of dentistry have not changed since the early days of the science, the world has grown wiser concerning its benefits, and the scientific discoveries of recent years that have made consideration of the hygiene of the mouth most important in medical diagnosis, has gone far to place this profession in the foremost place where it belongs. It is to dental surgery that thousands of the unhappy victims of the late war will look for facial regeneration, and its achievements already in plastic surgery recall the day of miracles. There are many among the older practitioners who have labored with faith and professional skill for this wider field of human usefulness, and great credit must be accorded them for preparing the way, often with inadequate facilities and hampering environment. One of Grand Island's leading dental surgeons. Dr. Daniel A. Finch, has been continuously engaged here in the practice of his profession for thirty-four years.

children bom to Daniel and Maria (Livesey) Finch. Both parents were born in Yorkshire, England. The mother of Dr. Finch was accompanied to the United States in 1843, by her mother, who was an evangelist preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church from the time of landing until her death many years afterward. The father of Dr. Finch came to the United States in 1841, when the old sailing vessels that plied between England and America, sometimes consumed six months in making the passage. He settled in Oneida County, New York, engaged in farming and raising stock, became respected in his community, where he held local offices, and finally died on his farm when aged forty-two years. Of his four living children, there are two residing in Nebraska, Daniel A. and John S. in Lincoln, Nebraska. The latter has been connected with the Nebraska State Journal, at Lincoln, for the past twenty-five years.

From the public schools of Oneida County, where his educational training had been thorough, Daniel A. Finch went to New York City and pursued a course in dentistry, since then making it his sole vocation. He came to Nebraska in his early days of practice and has been a resident of Grand Island since June 10, 1885. He has kept fully abreast with the times and maintains well appointed offices in the Hedde building, Grand Island.

On February 17, 1887, Dr. Finch was united in marriage to Miss Addie M. Hall. Her parents were H. L. and Lydia Hall, who came to Hamilton County, Nebraska, as early as 1872 and died there. Mrs. Finch passed away at Grand Island, in January, 1917. Their one daughter, Grace M., resides with her father, and being talented in music is very popular in music circles and is a teacher of merit. Dr. and Miss Finch attend the Methodist church. While a Republican in national politics. Dr. Finch maintains an independent course in local affairs. He has never accepted any public office except membership on the school board, during six years of service displaying good judgment and civic pride. For many years he has been identified with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, serving officially in both orders, and has held all the offices in the latter organization pertaining to the local lodge.

HENRY J. BECKER is proprietor of the Becker Music Company, the oldest established concern of its kind in Grand Island which had its beginning more than twenty-one years ago. Endowed bv nature with ability in his chosen calling, his education and experience have well fitted him for making this line of endeavor his life work. When a boy of seven years he was playing the violin for dances and public entertainments in his native land, and later received instruction under such able tutors as William Thiele, who for years was a member of the famous Thomas Orchestra of Chicago.

Mr. Becker was born in Westphalia, Germany, July 12, 1872. At the age of fourteen he was brought to America by his parents, C. F. and Matilda (Eickhoff) Becker, who established their home in Grand Island. Here Henry J. and his brother C. F. continued the study of music, later becoming instructors and for several years conducted an orchestra. It is now twenty-one years since the Becker Brothers opened a store and the partnership continued until 1912, when Henry J. purchased the interest of his brother and became sole proprietor.

The Becker Music Company have a well equipped store af; the southwest corner of Third and Pine streets, where everything in music can be found.

A genial disposition, a pleasing personality, together with his knowledge of music, have inspired the confidence and good will of the public, while honest dealings and fair prices have assured him success.

WILHELM R. JENSEN, who is a member of the merchant police force at Grand Island, came first to this city in the spring of 1874. He is a native of Denmark, born, Jannary 28, 1846, near Aalborg, a son of Jens P. and Margaret Cline (Wilhelmsen) Rasmussen Jensen. The father of Mr. Jensen was born in Denmark, February 14, 1818, and died there in 1894. His mother was born in Denmark June 21, 1819, and died there in 1862. They were the parents of six children and of the five yet living, Wilhelm R. is the only one in the United States.

The laws of Denmark provide for the education of the children of the country, and Mr. Jensen had the opportunity to lay a good foundation in the schools and afterward learned the trade of bricklayer under his father. In 1869 he came to the United States and for four years worked on farms in Iowa, afterward spending one year in Colorado, working in brickyards and on a sheep ranch. In March, 1874, he came to Grand Island, which has been his home during the greater part of the time ever since. He became a member of the first volunteer fire department, and j is one of the four survivors of the "Always Ready Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1" which made a notable name for itself in protecting property in the early years when the city was largely constructed of inflammable material. Mr. Jensen owns an interesting photograph of the above company, which he prizes very highly. In 1878 he was appointed deputy sherifif and served under Sheriflt Killian from 1878 until 1882. During this time he had in charge a convicted murder, named Hart, but Mr. Jensen's term expired before the time of execution. The criminal escaped the penalty through pardon on the day before his sentence was to be carried out, the scaffold having been erected in the jail yard.

In 1882 Mr. Jensen returned to Denmark on a visit and in 1883, while there, was united in marriage to a widow, Mrs. Meta K. Andersen. She had four children but only one is living, namely: Martina, who is the wife of Thomas A. Brown of Iowa City, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Jensen three children were born : Margaret, who is a saleslady for the O. C. Thompson Company, Grand Island ; Mary, who is a stenographer and bookkeeper in the offices of the Union Pacific Railroad Company at Grand Island; and Niels, who is in the contracting business. All of the children reside at home, and with their parents belong to the English Lutheran church.

When Mr. Jensen returned to Grand Island from his visit to Denmark, he gave his attention for some time to his personal property interests. In the spring of 1889 he accepted a place on the city police force and served as a patrolman until 1901. After that, for two years, he worked for Jens Rasmussen at brick work, and then returned to official life, since then having been employed on the merchant police force. Mr. Jensen's record for personal courage is well known at Grand Island. In politics he is a strong Republican.

CARL BAASCH is among the number who came to Hall County in an early day, and in his farming operations met with the success that enables him to spend the evening of life in honorable retirement.

Mr. Baasch was born in the village of Kiel, Holstein, Germany, May 27, 1841, and was a son of George and Anna (Krambeck) Baasch, both natives of the same province in which their son was born. The father was a wagon maker by trade and died in that country about 1858. The mother came to the United States in 1860 and lived to be nearly one hundred years of age and passed away at Davenport, Iowa.

Carl was reared in his native land and was a young man of twenty-three when he came to the United States in 1864, He spent two years at Davenport, Iowa, and in 1866 came to Hall County, Nebraska. In recalling that trip brings to mind that there were no railroads in Nebraska then and the journey was made by stage. Martin Schimmer, another pioneer of this county, was a passenger on that trip, and often twelve men rode in the stage at one time. On reaching Hall County Mr. Baasch found employment at whatever would provide him a living and worked fourteen months for the pioneer firm of Koenig and Wiebe. For eight months he was employed in railroad construction w'ork and helped build the line to the Black Hills.

It w-as soon after he came here that Hall County was visited by the memorable grasshopper plague. Mr. Baasch like many others was not very favorably impressed with the prospects of making this a permanent home. But times grew better and Mr. Baasch took up the occupation of fanning, bought land and conducted his affairs in such a manner that success attended his efforts, and he is considered one of the well-to-do men of his community.

April 11, 1875, Mr. Baasch was married to Miss Wiebke Minnie Hansen, a native of Germany, a daughter of one of the early settlers of the county, her parents settling here in 1874. The father of Mrs. Baasch died in 1916, but the mother is still living and has reached the age of nearly eighty-nine.

To Mr. and Mrs. Baasch have been born six children, all of whom are married and reside in this county. Ernest, married Emma Thode, who is deceased and the present wife is Katie Bockmann. Henry married Bertha Luth, who is now deceased. Gustave married Hermina Wragge. John married Clara Heesch. Anna married Emil Wagner. Martha is the wife of Henry Knuth.

REV. LEWIS A. ARTHUR, who is one of the able men of the Protestant Episcopal clergy in Nebraska, is the rector of the Episcopal church at Grand Island. Zealous in the cause of religion and giving unsparingly of the best that is in him, Dr. Arthur wields wide influence. Carried away as the world is at the present time sometimes seems to be by materialism, a strong guiding force is needed in every community to combat vicious doctrines, and to supplant them with the wholesomeness, beauty, love and sympathy expressed in the tenets of the church. Such is Dr. Arthur's mission.

Lewis A. Arthur is of New England birth and ancestry, but the Arthur name is not unknown in other sections as it is honorably recorded in the nation's annals. Mr. Arthur was born in a manufacturing city of Burlington, Vermont, and is a son of John A. and Harriet F. Arthur. Without mention of early school advantages and favorable home environment, he was graduated from the University of Vermont with the degrees of A. B. and A. M., and subsequently from the General Theological Seminary, New York City, with degree of S. T. B.

Dr. Arthur has been twice married. On June 29, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Eunice Tripler, who died September 25, 1911. She was a daughter of General Charles S. Tripler, Medical Corps, United States army. On June 16, 1915, Dr. Arthur married Miss Alice May McAllister, who is a daughter of William R. McAllister. Dr. Arthur has one daughter, Eunice, who was married April 16, 1916, to William Ritchie, Jr., an attorney at law at Omaha, Nebraska.

RALPH R. HORTH has been a member of the Hall County bar for thirty-five years and throughout that entire period has made continued progress and has written his name high on the keystone of Nebraska's legal arch. While at all times careful to conform his practice to the highest professional ethics he has at the same time so guided his course in every relation that his name is honored and respected wherever known and most where he is best known.

Mr. Horth is a native of the Empire State, born at New Albion, New York, April 16. 1863. His parents were Charles and Angeline (Smith), Horth, who became residents of Hall County in 1872, settling on a farm in Jackson township. Both parents died in this county, the father in 1914 and the mother. in 1904. Charles R. Horth served three years during the Civil War as a member of Company H. Seventy-second New York Volunteer Infantry.

Ralph R. Horth attended the public schools of Gibbon and alsoi the Baptist Seminary located there. He then entered the State University of Michigan where he received his degree of LL.B. in 1885. Following this he entered upon the practice of law at Grand Island where he has continued to the present time. Since 1911 he has been a member of the firm of Horth and Ryan with offices in the Ryan building. He served as county attorney and city attorney and was chairman of the War Activities Committee during the World War.

In connection with this prominence at the bar he has become well known in financial circles and has been a director in the First National Bank of Grand Island, Bank of Phillips, State Bank of Ravenna, Perkins County Bank and the Bank of Meeker at Meeker, Colorado. He is a director of Davis Brothers Drug Company of Denver, Colorado, vice-president of J. W. Hugus and Company who operates a chain of eleven stores in Wyoming and Colorado, secretary of the Chicago Hide and Fur Company of Grand Island and secretary of the Efell Company, a corporation in Wyoming engaged in the sheep and cattle industry.

August 8, 1888 Mr. Horth was married to Miss May Castiday, a daughter of D. R. and ]\Iahalah Castiday. Mrs. Horth's father was a prominent stockman of Wyoming and is now deceased, while the mother is still living.

Mr. Horth is a member of the Episcopal church and has been a member of the vestry board for twenty-five years. For eighteen years he was chancellor of the diocese.

In politics Mr. Horth is a Republican and has served as chairman of the County Central Committee several times. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Masonic and B. P. O. Elks lodges.

IRA T. PAINE, who is one of the substantial business men of Grand Island and is at the head of one of the city's important enterprises, has been a resident of this city fortysix years and has taken a keen interest and important part in much of its development.

Mr. Paine is a native of Ohio but is of New England ancestry and of Revolutionary stock, his paternal great-grandfather, Eleazer Paine, having been a soldier in the patriot army in his native state, Connecticut. Mr. Paine's maternal great-grandfather, Ira Tuttle, also a native of Connecticut, was a justice of the peace for many years in Ohio. Among the young lawyers practicing in his court, were Frank and Benjamin F. Wade, whe became distinguished in public life in the Buckeye state.

Ira T. Paine was born at Painesville, Ohio, January 31, 1847, the son of Henry and Harriet (Tuttle) Paine, both of whom were born in northeastern Ohio, and spent nearly all their lives on a farm, passing away there in old age. Henry Paine was a son of Hendricks Paine, a native of Connecticut who moved to Ohio in 1802. Henry Paine was a man of prominence in Lake County, a justice of the peace, and for nine years was a county commissioner. He and wife were pillars in the Methodist Episcopal church and worthy people in every relation of life. Of their family of eight surviving children out of the original ten,but two reside in Grand Island, Ira T., and Miss Carrie M. Paine, who lives with her brother.

In the countrj' schools and at Painesville, Ira T. Paine obtained his education, in the meanwhile working on the home farm until 1873, when he came to Grand Island, Nebraska. He arrived with but a small amount of capital but as he was frugal, a hard worker and had early acquired industrious habits, he soon found employment and for six years worked in a lumber yard after which he went into the railway mail service where he remained seven years. In the spring of 1888 he embarked independently in the monument business, a concern which has developed into a stock company of large importance, under the firm name of the Paine-Fishburn Granite Company, operating with a capitall stock of $64,000. Mr. Paine is president of the company and much of its success is due to his careful, conservative guidance of its affairs. He is a Republican in politics and at all times is an earnest citizen, but he has never had any ambition for political honors, in the proper regulation of his own business affairs finding a satisfying life.

Mr. Paine was married June 9, 1870, to Miss Ella M. Huston, who died October 21, 1911, survived by one child who is Judge Bayard H. Paine of Grand Island. Mr. Ira T. Paine has been for more than twenty-five years the chairman of the board of trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Grand Island.

WILLIAM J. HEFLIN. - With the ambition to accomplish something valuable and to make their lives truly useful, many intelligent young men early turn to a career in medicine, and in more or less debree they attain their object. Grand Island has attracted many thoroughly qualified medical men and a representative member of the profession is Dr. William J. Heflin, who is in the enjoyment of a

William J. Heflin was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, November, 26, 1860. His parents were Ezekiel and Eleanor E. (Moore) Heflin. The father of Mr. Heflin was a minister in the Christian church for many years. He was born in South Carolina and died in 1905 in Minnesota. Dr. Heflin's mother was born in New York and died in Grand Island in 1916. Both had accompanied their parents to Wisconsin in childhood and their marriage took place in that state. Eight children were born to them and Dr. Heflin of Grand Island is the eldest of the three survivors, the others being: H. H., who is a physician and surgeon at Kewanee, Illinois, and Edna E., who is a practising physician at Grand Island.

After his school period was over Dr. Heflin was faced with the necessity of earning the means to take him through medical college, having early determined to become a physician, consequently he looked kbout' for employment with the result that for some time he was a traveling representative of the manufacturing firm of Hay & Todd, of Chicago. Subsequently he entered the medical department of the University of Minnesota, from which he was graduated in 1895. After three years of practice in the city of Minneapolis he went to Nora Springs, in Floyd County, Iowa, and from there, in 1909, came to Grand Island.- Competent in every branch of his profession. Dr. Heflin has no specialty.

Jn 1896 Dr. Heflin was united in marriage with Miss Clara A. Adams, who was born in Iowa, and they have one son and two daughters: William Duane, who is a student in the Nebraska State University at Lincoln ; and Alice Fay and Clara Lenore, both of whom attend school at Grand Island. Mrs. Heflin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is interested in numerous charities. Dr. Heflin has long been identified with Masonry and has attained the thirty-second degree and formerly served both as senior and junior warden of Nicolett Lodge A. F. & A. M., St. Peter, Minnesota. He entertains as does every intelligent man and enlightened physician, very decided views on public questions and votes according to his own judgment.

G. H. THOMAS. - For many years prominent in Nebraska along lines of useful effort, G. H. Thomas, president of the Grand Island National Bank, commands attention as a representative citizen of Hall County. Mr.

Thomas was bom at Berlin, in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, March 4, 1876, the elder of two sons born to Griffith J. and Anna E. (Griffith) Thomas, who are highly respected retired residents of Harvard, Nebraska.

Griffith J. Thomas was bom in Wales, January 20, 1847, and brought to America and to Wisconsin in childhood. He was reared there and from there entered the service of his country during the Civil War, serving as a private for three years under two enlistments, thereby almost wrecking his health. He was a journalist by profession and continued to be interested in newspapers until he retired. He has always been an ardent Republican and for nine years served as postmaster at Berlin. In 1886 he came with his family to Clay County, Nebraska, where he was postmaster for eighteen years. He is one of the older members of the Masonic bodies in Clay County and one of the state leaders in the Grand Army of the Republic. To this noble organization Mr. Thomas has been particularly devoted and has labored zealously for its interests. He belongs to one of the oldest posts in existence, John H. Williams Post No. 4, Berlin, Wisconsin, which he has served three terms as deputy commander. He was married Nevember 1, 1874, to Miss Anna E. Griffith, who was born at Utica, New York, December 7, 1846, but was reared at Berlin. They have two sons G. H. and Harrie G., the latter of whom was associated with his brother in the banking business at Harvard and also in newspaper work with his father.

G. H. Thomas completed the high school course at Harvard, Nebraska, and then entered the State University from which he was graduated in 1897 and still maintains his membership in the Greek letter fraternities. Delta Tau Delta and Phi Beta Kappa. Mr. Thomas then turned his attention and acquirements to the educational field and for eleven years taught school in Nebraska, for eight years being superintendent of schools at McCook, in Redwillow County. He then entered the banking business and from 1908 until 1917 was cashier of the Union State Bank of Harvard, Nebraska, which is one of the sound financial institutions of Clay County, operating with a capital of $25,000,surpkis and profits $17,000 and average deposits $500,000. He still maintains an interest in that institution although now a resident of Grand Island. When he came here to associate with Theodore Griess of this city, he bought the majority of stock in the Grand Island National Bank, of which he has since been president. This bank is

Mr. Thomas was married in 1900 to Miss Blanch E, McCarl, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of John McCarl, who removed from Iowa to Hastings in Adams County, Nebraska, and later to McCook. Mr. Thomas is a staunch Republican but has taken no very decided part since coming to Grand Island but previously served for five years as mayor of Harvard. He is prominent in Masonry, a Knight Templar and also a Shriner.

THEODORE GRIESS, president of the Grand Island National Bank, is well known bith in financial and political circles. He has not been a resident of Grand Island very long, but his welcome to this city has been hearty and his name will be a valuable asset in the furtherance of business.

Theodore Griess is a native of Russia, born at Worms, one of a family of ten children born to his parents, Peter and Sophia (Grosshaus) Griess. The family originated in Germany and from there went to Russia in earlier times. In 1873, the father of Mr. Griess came to the United States and settled in Clay County, Nebraska, being accompanied by his family. The mother of Mr. Greiss died on November 25, 1903. Their children were as follows : Theodore, who is a resident of Grand Island ; Henry P., who is a merchant at Sutton, Nebraska ; John G., who is cashier of the Sutton National Bank ; William, also a merchant at Sutton ; Edward, a merchant at Eldorado, Nebraska ; Ferdinand, a dental surgeon at Sutton ; Gustave, who was graduated in dentistry at Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1912 ; Rudolph, in college ; Lydia, the wife of J. A. Dennis, a merchant at Eldorado ; and three who are deceased. For many years the father of the above family has been engaged in the grain and coal business at Sutton. He has been active in Democratic politics and in 1887 was his party's candidate for county treasurer.

Theodore Griess obtained his education in the country schools, the Sutton graded schools and Doane College, at Crete, Nebraska. His business career began when he went into business with his father. In 1904 he removed from Clay County and became cashier of the Union State Bank, and in 1908, in association with George Thomas, bought the controlling interest and became president. Subsequently Mr. Griess purchased the majority of stock in the Grand Island National Bank and moved to Grand Island. Early in his career he became interested in public afifairs and has held many public offices of responsibility. From 1896 until 1897 he was deputy county treasurer of Clay County. In 1897 he was elected county treasurer and was re-elected in 1899 and after the expiration of his second term he was deputy again for two years, spending in all ten years in the treasurer's office. In 1900 he was chosen as the candidate of the Democratic party for state auditor.

Mr. Griess married Miss Johanna Fandmann, the ceremony taking place March 28, 1900. She was born at Scotland. South Dakota. They have three children : Helene, Raymond Paul and Gertrude Louise. Mr. and Mrs. Griess are people of education, cuhure and religion.

WILLIAM SCHROEDER is a representative citizen of Hall County and a substantial farmer in Alda township. He belongs to a well known family of this section who homesteaded here forty-eight years ago. His has always been an agricultural family and it has been a prosperous one from the beginning, industry, thrift and good management being family characteristics.

William Schroeder was born January 6, 1865. His parents were Fritz and Sophia (Lamp) Schroeder, both of whom were born and reared in Germany. They came to the United States in 1864, and in 1871 the father homesteaded in Hall County, Nebraska. He came to the county a poor man but at the time of his death he was a wealthy man, being the owner of a whole section of well improved land. He was not only honest and industrious, but also a man of high principles, a faithful member of the Lutheran church, and for many years a member of the order of United Workmen. He was the father of five children: William, the eldest born ; Charles, who lives at Grand Island ; Henry, a farmer in Alda township; Otto, a farmer in Alda township; ahd Elizabeth, deceased, the wife of Ernest Scholtz, of Hall County.

William Schroeder obtained his education in the Hall County schools and early began farm training. He now owns and cultivates one hundred and sixty acres of land in a favorable location, which he has admirably improved. He is one of the substantial farmers and dependable citizens of the county. He married Miss Maggie Clauson. They have children as follows: Sophia, the wife of John Mohn, of Montana; and Alfred, Alma, Ella, John,

George and Rudolph, all of whom live at home. Mr. Schroeder and his family are members of the Lutheran church and attend services in Grand Island.

CHARLES LUTH, a prosperous general farmer in Alda township, Hall County, belongs to an old family of this section, one that is noted for its agricultural success. Father and sons have been farmers all their lives, and with the experience of many years, have made their land unusually productive. Nowhere in the county will be found better tilled acres, more modern farm machinery, evidences of more thorough methods in crop rotation and fertilization, or more substantial improvements than on the Luth farms.

Charles Luth was born in Marshall County, Iowa, the second son of Fred and Minnie Luth, both natives of Germany. His father was born in 1844, a son of Henry and Sophia (Yohn) Luth, and the only one of their eight children to come to the United States. For some years prior to coming to Hall County, he engaged in fanning in Iowa. The most of his ample fortune has been made after coming to Nebraska. Charles Luth had some educational opportunities in Hall County. Mr. Luth is in partnership with his brother William in the operation of two hundred and thirty acres of land belonging to their father and much success is attending their undertaking. Mr. Luth is an independent voter, never having identified himself -with any political party and never being desirous of holding a political office.

GEORGE F. RICKARD, a well known general farmer of Hall County, operating what was his grandfather's old homestead near Alda, has spent his life in this county and all his interests are centered here. Both father and grandfather were pioneers in this section and no people are better or more favorably known than the Rickards.

George F. Rickard was bom in Hall County, Nebraska, February 16, 1873, the second in a family of six children bom to Charles Louis and Margaret (Burd) Rickard, and a grandson of George H. and Polly Anne (Forrest) Rickard. The grandparents were born in New York, lived for some years in Illinois, came to Hall County in 1880 and homesteaded, their property still remaining in the family. The parents of Mr. Rickard resided on their own homestead in Hall County, the father having come here in 1877, and there the mother died in 1916. George Rickard remained at home assisting his father until he was twenty-one years old. In the meanwhile he attended the public schools. As mentioned above, he lives on his grandfather's old place and rents a half section of land from his father, which he devotes to general farming. _ On Christmas Day, 1910, Mr. Rickard married Miss Carrie Barr, whose parents were very early settlers in Hall County. Mr. and Mrs. Rickard have had three children: Charles, Earl, and an infant that is deceased. Mr. Rickard has always devoted himself closely to his own business and has taken little part in political matters. He is, however, an intelligent, wide-awake citizen, and while he votes according to his own judgment, may be depended upon to support candidates who have the best interests of Hall County at heart.

CHARLES L. RICKARD. - For more than forty years Charles Louis Rickard, one of Hall County's substantial farmers, has been a resident of this section. He came here in the early days of county settlement, has worked hard and has prospered. He has done his part in advancing agricultural, educational and social interests. He was bom in McHenry County, Illinois, January 30, 1852. His parents, George H. and Polly Anne (Forrest) Rickard, were natives of New York, where they were reared and married. The father was a farmer all his life, first in Illinois, and after 1880 in Hall County, Nebraska, where he owned a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land. They had two children, Charles Louis and Eiruna, the latter of whom died at the age of four years.

Charles L. Rickard attended the district schools near his father's farm in Illinois and remained at home until 1877 when he came to Hall County. He was much better ofl: than many of the older settlers, for he brought with him three horses, two yoke of oxen and $75 in cash. Later he homesteaded and continued on his land through the years of hardship that overwhelmed many of the pioneers. Gradually, through hard work and the exercise of good judgment, he acquired other tracts of land, until now he owns seven hundred and twenty acres. His property has all been well improved and for many years he has been considered one of the most capable and prosperous general farmers of the county.

stock. She died December 24, 1916, mourned by a devoted family and a wide circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Rickard had the following children: Effie, the wife of Marley Compton ; George, a successful farmer in Hall County ; Nellie, the wife of Roy OrendotT, of Hall County; Walter D., who hves at Ord, Nebraska; Elsie, the wife of Otto Giersdorf, of Columbus, Nebraska, and Amer C. who is a railroad man.

HENRY LUTH, a very successful farmer in Hall County belongs to a well known family of this section, the most of its members being substantial farmers. Mr. Luth was born in Hall County, on Christmas Eve, 1869, a son of Fred and Minnie (Runfeldt) Luth, both of whom were born in Germany. The father of Mr. Luth was twenty-two years old when he came to the United States. He engaged in farming in Marshall County, Iowa, until 1886, when he came to Hall County, where he is now one of the heavy landowners.

Henry Luth attended the public schools in Hall County as opportunity afforded. His services on the farm began when he was but a boy, a pursuit in which he has been continuously engaged to the present time. He is now operating land which his father formerly owned, and if all farmers in the county were as careful about the condition of the soil and quality of seed, and as well informed otherwise as Mr. Luth, this would soon be the banner section of the state for big crops. He has put fine improvements on his farm and has everything comfortable around him.

In 1895 Mr. Luth married Miss Mary Schoel, a daughter of Henry Schoel. The following children have been born to them: a babe that died in infancy; Ella, the wife of John Roby, a farmer in Center township ; and Ralph, Minnie, Irvin and Henry, all of whom live at home. Mr. Luth has been a good citizen of his township. He has never been active in politics and in elections of all kinds casts an independent vote.

OTTO SCHROEDER, whose extensive farming operations place him among the leading agriculturists of Hall County, is a representative of one of the sturdy pioneer families of this section. His father homesteaded in Hall County almost a half century ago and the name has been well and favorably known in the county ever since.

October 7, 1883. His parents were Fritz and Sophia (Lamp) Schroeder, who came from Germany to the United States in 1864. The former took up a homestead in Hall County in 1871, and from then until his death in 1912, followed an agricultural life. In early days he passed through many hardships but industry and perseverance enabled him to make headway where others might have failed, and when he passed away he left an estate that included an entire section of land. He was never active in politics. He belonged to the order of United Workmen, and was a faithful member of the Lutheran church. Of his five children. Otto was the fourth in order of birth, the others being : William, a substantial farmer in Hall County ; Charles, who lives in Grand Island ; Henry, who is a farmer in Alda township; and Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Ernest Scholtz, a farmer in Hall County.

Otto Schroeder had educational advantages in Hall County and when he left school chose farming as his vocation. A well trained, practical man, with intelligent ideas in agricultural matters, he has steadily gone forward and has become prominent in agricultural circles because of his success in the management of his fine farm of two hundred acres. His land is well improved and every part of it shows the effect of careful tillage.

In 1906 Mr. Schroeder married Miss Bertha Rickert, whose parents were early settlers in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder the following children have been born : Edna, Mervin, Louis, Albert, Raymond and Hazel. The older children have made excellent records in school. Mr. Schroeder and his family are members of the Christian Science church.

HENRY BOEKMAN, the founder of a well known and highly respected family of Hall County, was bom in Germany, April 5, 1843, and remained in his own country until 1868, when he came to the United States and the same year located in Hall County, Nebraska. Like many settlers from foreign lands, he had but little capital left by the time he had paid transportation charges. He was twenty-five years old on reaching the shores of America and was not easily discouraged, although he arrived in Nebraska in the midst of the Indian troubles that prevented permanent settlement for a time. Before long he homesteaded a timber claim and secured a pre-emption, then settled down to develop his land and in the course of years became a man of wealth and local importance. At the time

In 1887 Mr. Boekman married Miss Sophia Hanson, born in Gemiany and the only member' of her family to come to the United States. To this marriage the following children were born : Otto, Claus, James, Theo, George, Katie, Dora and Sadie, all of whom live at home except the two married daughters, Katie and Dora. Katie is the wife of Ernest Bosh, of Alda township, and Dora is the wife of Arthur Wiese. The family belongs to the Roman Catholic church at. Doniphan.

JUERGEN KNUTH, a representative of one of the early pioneer families of Hall County, was born in Germany and accompanied his parents to the United States. They were Henry and Anna (Juergen) Knuth, who had four other children : Thomas and Hans, both of whom are deceased; Henry, who is a farmer in Washington township, and Mary, who is deceased, was the wife of John Wiese. The family emigrated to America from the old country, locating in Hall County in 1870, where the mother died in 1900, and the father in August, 1909.

Juergen Knuth obtained his education in Germany. In many ways conditions were hard during early days in this section. There were many Indians and in speaking of them, Mr. Knuth says that once, in 1872, he was thrown from a load of wood which resulted in a broken leg. Indians picked him up and kindly carried him to his father's cabin and though badly shattered and he had only an Indian doctor who set and attended it yet he was so skilled that the bones knit perfectly and the leg has never given him any trouble. The elder Knuth, at the time of his death, owned two hundred acres of land, all of which had been accumulated through his own industry. His sons assisted him and learned to be good farmers. Juergen Knuth first purchased one hundred and sixty acres, still residing on that tract. He now owns four hundred acres in Hall County and five hundred and sixty acres in Oklahoma, all fine land suitably improved, so that today he is numbered with the substantial men of the county.

]\Ir. Knuth married Miss Emma Wegner, who was bom in Germany and accompanied her people here in 1881. She has one sister. Mata, the wife of Hans Gulzow. Mr. and Mrs. Knuth have had eight children: Mata, who is deceased ; Henr}% who lives in Washington township ; Herman, who lives in Dewey

County, Oklahoma ; Arthur, also a resident of Oklahoma ; Anna, the wife of August Wiese, in Wyoming, and Fred, Hedwig and Helmuth, all of whom live at home. Mr. Knuth and his family attend the Lutheran church. He is independent in his political views. He belongs to several Low German social organizations at Grand Island, and his wife belongs to the Maccabees.

WILLIAM WIESE, one of the substantial citizens of Alda township, Hall County, has been a resident for many years. He has always taken part in township affairs and at all times promoted to the best of his ability, the interests of Hall County.

The parents of Mr. Wiese were Henry and Anna (Wiese) Wiese, who were born in Germany and came to the United States in 1860. Of their six children William was the third born, the others being: Lena, the widow of Carl Krueger, of Alda township; Katrina, the widow of Louis Buttner, of Alda, Hall County; Henry, a farmer in Alda township; Gustave, in the coal business in Chicago, and Otto, who operates the old homestead in Alda township. For a time after coming to the United States, the family lived in Iowa, where William was bom in Scott County. After moving to Hall County, the father bought one hundred and seventy-four acres of land, later added a hundred acres, and improved it all, putting up substantial buildings in place of the old log cabin and barn he found there.

The Wiese family with five other German families, came together, driving across the country in covered wagons, bringing with them from Iowa twenty head of cattle, and settled in Hall County in 1871. No members of the little colony prospered more than the Wieses, for they have always been industrious and thrifty, have been thorough in their farming methods, and have set a good example in raising stock standards in this section.

William Wiese attended school in boyhood but was yet young when he commenced to be of use to his father on the farm. In 1884 he began farming on his own account, going to Key a Paha County and homesteading. He remained there two years and then returned to Hall County, where he purchased a farm of one hundred acres, to which he has added until now he owns three hundred and ninety acres of valuable land, all of which he has improved. He carries on general farming and raises stock for his own use.

In the fall of 1885, Mr. Wiese married Miss Alma Appledorn. They have the following children : Clarence, who lives at Alda ; Anna, the wife of Allen Sell, of Alda township, and Dorothy, Lawrence and Irene, all of whom are at home. Mr. Wiese and his family are of the Lutheran faith. He belongs to the order of Maccabees.

CARL KRUEGER, a homesteader of the late sixties in Hall County, was a man of large estaite and through good neighborly kindness and upright living, gained the friendship and respect of all who knew him in Alda township.

Carl Krueger was born in Germany, July 27, 1840, and died on his farm in Hall County, November 24, 1905. His father was Christian Krueger. He left the Fatherland for the United States in 1860 and soon after landing in this country became engaged in farm work and carpentering, a vocation he followed for many years, his industry keeping pace with his opportunities. He was the builder of many farm structures in Hall County. He kept adding to his original homestead until, at the time of his death, he owned four hundred acres of well improved land, all of which he had secured through honest labor.

On March 24, 1874, Carl' Krueger married Miss Lena Wiese, a daughter of Henry and Anna (Celia) Wiese, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in the sixties. To Mr. and Mrs. Krueger the following children were bom: Otto, a farmer in Center township ; Charles, who lives in Alda township ; Henry, who lives on the homestead with his mother, in Alda township; Matilda, the wife of Herman Ewoldt ; Caroline, the wife of Hugo Schuchman; William, who lives in Lanner County, Wyoming, and Herman, who lives with his mother. The family is a prominent one in Alda township.

WILLIAM LUTH, classed with the successful farmers of Hall County, belongs to a highly respected old family of this section. He was born in Marshall County, Iowa, February 16, 1878. He is the son of Fred and Minnie Luth, and a grandson of Henry and Sophia (Yohn) Luth.

Fred Luth was born in 1844 in Germany and was twenty-two years old when he came to the United States. He followed farming in Marshall County, Iowa, until 1886, when he came to Hall County, where, in the course of lime, he became the owner of four hundred acres of land, all of which has been well improved. In 1869 he married Minnie Runfeldt, also a native of Germany, and they have had the following children : Augusta, the wife of William Stuhr; Henry, a prominent farmer in Hall County; Sophia, the wife of Edward Stuhr; Charles and William, both of whom are prosperous farmers in Alda township ; Emma, the wife of August Schoel ; a babe who died in infancy ; and Alvena, the wife of Rudolph Kay.

William Luth was about eight years old when he accompanied his parents to Hall County, where he had winter schooling for several years. While still a boy in years he began hard work on his father's land and has always followed agricultural pursuits in this county. At present he is in partnership with his brother, Charles Luth, and together they carry on extensive operations on two hundred and thirty acres of land which they rent from their father. They are ; quiet, industrious, practical men who are well thought of everywhere. Mr. Luth belongs to no political party.

Mr. Luth was united in marriage with Miss Dora Nissen, July 19, 1911; they have five children : Lawrence, Helen, Elsie, Minnie and Clarence, are all attending school near home.

HERMAN LILIENTHAL successfully carries on farming operations in Alda township. Hall County, where he rents land from his mother, one of the largest owners of real estate in this locality. Mr. Lilienthal belongs to a fine old family of this section which settled here almost sixty years ago.

Herman Lilienthal was bom in Hall County, January 25, 1878, the son of Frederick and bora (Gilthaw) Lilienthal, both of whom were born in Gennany. Of their children, Llerman is the eldest, the others being: Mrs. Lena Boltz, who lives in Alda township : John, who lives in Wyoming, and Toney, the wife of Charles Kay. The father came to this county in 1861 and homesteaded, and at the time of his death, in May, 1894, owned a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres. Industry was the rule in his household and Herman was not very old when he stopped going to school in order to help on the farm. He thus had excellent instruction and discipline and is considered a farmer of ripe judgment, understanding how to make his industries very profitable.

years old, and Ervin Herman, six years of age. Herman is said to be as much interested in his school duties as is his older brother. Mr. and ;\Irs. Lilienthal are members of the Lutheran church.

FREDERICK LILIENTHAL. - One of the early settlers and thrifty, enterprising farmers of Hall County, was the late Frederick Lilienthal, who was born in Germany, March 25, 1852, the son of Claus and Christina Lilienthal, who had three sons, Henry, Frederick and Charles, all of whom are deceased.

Frederick Lilienthal came to the United States in early manhood and was among the first settlers of Hall County. Here he bought railroad land, which he worked hard to improve, and at the time of his death, in May. 1894, owned eighty acres of finely improved land. In those early days he had much to contend with, one disadvantage being his long distance from market, for he had to haul his grain to Fort Kearny. He is remembered as a hard working, honest man and a kind and helpful neighbor. He was twice married, his first union being with Dora Gilsthaw, and they had the following children: Herman, a farmer in Alda township ; a babe that died unnamed ; Lena, the wife of August Boltz ; John, lives in Wyoming, and Toney, the wife of Charles Kay. The mother of these children died and his second marriage was to Mrs. Margaret (Mathiesen) Struve. Her parents were Fred and Anna (Hanson) Mathiesen, who were born in Germany, but were married in 1857 at Davenport, Iowa, as they came separately to America. Mr. Mathiesen had practically no capital when he came to Hall County but through thrift and industry, he accumulated a large body of land. His death occurred June 14, 1914.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lilienthal five children were born : Julius, Fred, Ernest, Laura and Anna, all living except Fred. Laura is the wife of Benjamin Ewoldt, and Anna is the wife of Frederick Schoel. Mrs. Lilienthal resides in her comfortable home on West Charles street. Grand Island, one of the highly esteemed and estimable women of the city.

HERMAN EWOLDT, one of the progressive agriculturists of Hall County, owning a fine, well developed farm near Grand Island, belongs to a very old county family that has always been noted for its industry and sound, practical qualities. Mr. Ewoldt is not only a good farmer but is an intelligent, far-seeing one, realizing that for many years to come the American farmer, with his mighty yields of life-giving grain, and his herds and other stock, must practically feed the world.

Herman Ewoldt was bom in Hall County, Nebraska, August 1, 1882. His parents were Cay and Elisa (Stuben) Ewoldt, both of whom were born in Germany. The father came to the United States in 1854 and located first in Davenport, Iowa, from which place he removed to Hall County, in 1857. He early secured a pre-emption claim of one hundred and sixty acres, and to this original farm he kept on adding throughout his life. When his death occurred in 1914, at the age of eighty-two years, he left an estate of four hundred and sixty acres of well improved land. For many years he had been considered one of the township's substantial and representative men. The mother of Mr. Ewoldt died in August, 1915. The parents are survived by seven of their eleven children.

Herman Ewoldt obtained his education in the public schools of Hall County. During his youth and the lifetime of his father, he worked on the homestead, but now he owns a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres, to which he devotes his entire attention. He carries on a general farming line and has raised some fine Hereford cattle. If he succeeds in carrying out his present admirable plans, he will make a feature of raising cattle. Mr. Ewoldt is a hard worker and is thoroughly interested in all his farm activities, keeps ab.-east of the times in agricultural progress and makes intelligent use of the knowledge he acquires.

In 1905 Mr. Ewoldt married Miss Matilda Krueger, whose parents also were early settlers in Hall County. They have six children : Edwin, Helen, Carl, Rudolph, Lillian and Daniel, four of whom go to school, the three older never having missed a day since they started. They all are unusually intelligent and fond of their books.

WILLIAM SCHOEL, a prosperous general farmer in Center township, owns and carefully cultivates a large farm in Center township. He was born in Hall County, October 9, 1974, on his father's homestead, his people having been early settlers here. Extended mention of this prominent family will be found in another part of this work.

the farm. All the family worked and he remembers seeing his mother binding grain by hand on many an occasion. In those days the grain was cut with the old-fashioned scythe or a mowing machine, and all the corn was planted by hand. Much of the modern machinery that Mr. Schoel now makes constant use of on his farm, had not yet been invented in his boyhood and it was many years before the ordinary Nebraska farmer could afford to buy it. The family had settled far from a center where provisions could be purchased, and Mr. Schoel remembers one occasion when his father and a neighbor had driven to Omaha for flour, and on the return trip in fording the Loup river because there was no bridge at that time, became swamped. Mr. Schoel walked thirty miles to Wood River before he secured help and it was with difficulty that the wagons and teams were dragged out of the water. At that time there were many Indians passing up and down the river but the Schoels were kind and friendly and never had any trouble with the savages.

William Schoel married Anna Schweiger, whose parents, August and Caroline Schweiger live in Grand Island. They have two children, Helen and Olga, aged nineteen and fifteen years respectively. Rlr. Schoel has one hundred and sixty acres of land and every acre, under his efficient management, gives a profitable account of itself. He feeds cattle and hogs and averages a car load a year. The farm surroundings indicate thrift and the improvements are suitable and substantial. Mr.Schoel has the reputation of being a hard worker and sensible business man. He is an independent voter but his ballot is sure to be cast in support of law and order and good citizenship.

FRED LUTH. - Thirty-three years have slipped away since Fred Luth came to Hall County. They have not been idle years for hard work has marked the passing of many of them and thrift and efficiency were observed in each and every one. Mr. Luth is not only a widely known and highly respected resident of the county but is also one of the most substantial, being the owner of many acres of highly developed land, as the result of his own industry coupled with good judgment.

Fred Luth was born December 15, 1844, in Germany, and is a son of Henry and Sophia (Yohn) Luth, and the only one of their eight children to come to America. He remained in Germany throughout his schooldays and military service period, being a youth twentytwo years old when he reached the United States. He located in Iowa and worked on farms there until 1886, when he came to Hall County, where he has since lived and has engaged in the business of farming. The first land he bought was a tract of two hundred and twenty acres and at the present time he owns four hundred acres. Mr. Luth has not been satisfied with merely owning this large body of land and enjoying the ordinary yield of the same, but has subsequently improved it all. and withj thorough going methods has increased the fertility until he has some of the most productive farm land in the county.

In 1869 Mr. Luth married Miss Minnie Runfeldt, who was born in Germany, they have had the following children : Augusta, the wife of William Stuhr; Henry, who lives in Hall County; Sophia, the wife of Edward Stuhr; Charles, a resident of Alda, Nebraska; William, a farmer in Alda township; Emma, the wife of August Schoel ; a babe who died in infancy; and Alvina, who is the wife of Rudolph Kay. Mr. Luth has never interested himself greatly in politics and has never been willing to accept a public office.

JULIUS EWOLDT, one of Hall County's well known men and successful general farmers, belongs to one of the first families who located here at a time when Nebraska was considered a part of the wild west, having to break the prairie sod for first crops in the country. For sixty years the Ewoldts have owned and operated land here and all of the sons of the old pioneer of that name, are substantial farmers and respected citizens.

Julius Ewoldt was bom in Hall County, Nebraska, July 23, 1874. His parents were Cay and Elizabeth (Stuben) Ewoldt, natives of Germany, where the father was born in 1831 and the mother in 1841. Her people came to Hall County with the early settlers and she grew up and was married here. The father left Germany when twenty-three years old, reaching the United States in 1854. It was his intention to acquire land but he lacked capital at first and for three years worked as a laborer in Davenport, Iowa. In 1857 he came to Hall County to settle permanently, later taking up a pre-emption claim and immediately beginning to make improvements. He was a careful, industrious, honest man, took pride in his farm and surroundings which show his love for agricultural life. Gradually he added to the original tract, continuing to improve the land as soon as it came into his possession, thereby adding to its value. When his death occurred in 1914, after a long life of honest industry, he left an estate of four hundred and sixty acres, all well improved. The mother of Julius Ewoldt died in August, 1907. She was the devoted mother of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy.

Julius Ewoldt obtained his education in the country schools and grew up on his father's farm. Agricultural pursuits have engaged his entire attention from boyhood and through careful methods he has made this business very profitable. He carries on diversified farming which includes the raising of stock for his own use and a little dairying and fruit growing. Every inch of his valuable fami of one hundred and fifteen acres is utilized in some way. He has substantial farm buildings and in 1911 erected a fine modern residence.

In 1901 Mr. Ewoldt mjirried Miss Minnie Schweiger, who was born in Germany and came to the United States with her parents when young. They have four children: Harry, Max, Lydia and Elizabeth, all of whom attend school. Mr. Ewoldt is a member of the Low German society.

FERDINAND STOLTENBERY, a prosperous farmer of Hall County and a well known and respected citizen, has spent his life in this part of Nebraska. He is a representative of an old family of the county that came here sixty years ago, and did its part in overcoming the wild conditions that then prevailed. The older members have passed away but the family is still well known here and its characteristics of sturdy honesty and persevering industry are yet in evidence.

Ferdinand Stoltenber>' was bom in Hall County, September 25, 1863, the son of Claus and Etta (Paustun) Stoltenbery, both of whom were born in Germany and came to the United States before their marriage. Claus Stoltenbery came across the Atlantic ocean in 1859 and immediately came on to Hall County, where a German colony had settled in 1857. He had enough capital with him to enable him to buy some land and he also took up a preemption claim. Here his long and industrious life was spent and when he passed away he left an estate of three hundred and seventy acrs of highly improved land. His marriage had taken place in 1860, in Hall County, and six children were born to him and his wife: Alvina, who is deceased ; Etta, the wife of Emanuel Heimke; Ferdinand, who lives in Hall County; Cecelia, the wife of Bernhard

Ferdinad Stoltenbery had a rudimentary schooling, but nothing to compare with the advantages his children are having. He began farm work when a boy and has kept at it ever since, beginning on his own account about twenty-five years ago. He has worked hard but feels somewliat repaid when he looks over his fine farm of four hundred acres, which he has excellently improved. He carries on general farming and is rated with the substantial men of his township. He married Amelia Hirsch, who belongs to an old county family, and they have the following children : Richard, Esther, Rudolph, Barney, Anna, Dora and Angela, all living at home except Esther, the wife of William Mitfoldt.

FRED SCHOEL, a well known citizen and substantial farmer of Hall County, has spent his entire life here, belonging to one of the oldest pioneer families of this section. Today on every side productive farms and comfortable homesteads may be seen, but it was very different sixty-two years ago when the parents of Mr. Schoel came here with other German colonists. They faced many dangers and bore uncomplainingly for the most part privations and great hardships, but they were resourceful and persevering and founded homes and families that are now inseparable from the history of Hall County.

Fred Schoel was born here, February 3, 1867, a son of -Henry and Mary (Becker) Schoel, the father of Mr. Schoel was born in Germany, April 1, 1828. He heard of the many opportunities for a young man in America so emigrated from his native land in 1855. He came west two years after reaching the United States, taking up land in Hall County. At that time he was entirely without capital and the fact that thirty-nine years later he died owning two hundred acres of the best improved land in the county, proves that his industry in Nebraska was well rewarded. There were many Indians here when he came ; herds of buffalo were frequently seen, and buffalo meat was frequently found in the larder of the settlers. It was a number of years before the family could live in comfort but both parents were hard working people and did not ask for the luxuries of life. They were good neighbors and honest in their dealings with every one. The mother passed away in 1887, and the father died on January 10,

1894. They had the following children: Charles, the first white male child born in Hall County; Henry, who is deceased; Fred, who resides in Hall County in the vicinity of Grand Island; Emma, the wife of Albert Felske, of Hall County; Mary, who is the wife of Henry Luth, of Alda, Nebraska; and August and William both of whom live north of Alda.

Fred Schoel grew to manhood on the home farm and obtained his education in the public schools. He has made farming the business of his life, always taking a deep interest in his work, and has found his methods very satisfactory. He owns a large body of land, four hundred and twenty acres in all, which is well improved, his residence being one of the best in the township. He makes no feature of either stockraising or dairying, but carries these industries on as a part of his general farming line. He owns many modern farm implements which greatly facilitate farming as carried on today.

On June 16, 1896, Mr. Schoel married Miss Anna Matthiesen, and two daughters and one son have been bom to them : Hulda, the wife of Albert Marth; Elsie, the wife of Wilham Marth; and Harry, a student in the high school at Grand Island. Mr. Schoel has never taken much interest in general politics but is always ready to do his duty as a good citizen in neighborhood aft'airs. The family is one that is held in friendly regard all through this section.

BERNHARD EWOLDT, one of the Hall County's reliable, substantial citizens, is a member of an old pioneer family that has had much to do with the material development of the county. From the beginning the family has been an agricultural one and some of the finest farms in this section of the county are held in this old and respected name.

Bemhard Ewoldt was born in Hall County, Nebraska, April 25, 1863. His parents were Cay and Elizabeth (Stuben) Ewoldt, the former of whom was born in Germany in 1831 and the latter in 1841. The father emigrated to the United States in 1854 and came as far west from the Atlantic seaboard as Davenport. Iowa, where he found employment and remained until July 4, 1857, before coming to Hall County. Within a short time he took up a pre-emption claim of one hundred and sixty acres, which was but the beginning of his large fortune in land, for through hard work and wise management he kept adding one tract of land to another as he recognized a good investment, and when he passed away on November 1, 1913, he left an estate of four hundred and sixty acres highly improved. He was a sober, industrious, honest man and was highly thought of in his neighborhood. The mother of Mr. Ewoldt came to Hall County with her parents at an early day also and she survived until August 30, 1915. Of the eleven children boni to his parents, Bemhard Avas the oldest, the others being : Cecelia, deceased, was the wife of Henry Wiese; Henry, who lives at Alda, Nebraska; Minnie, the wife of Carl Stoltenberg, Cairo, Nebraska; Julius a general farmer in Hall County; Amelia, the wife of August Becker, of Washington township, Hall County; Clara, the wife of August Schimmer; Herman, a famier in Hall County; and three who died in infancy.

Bemhard Ewoldt attended the country schools when a boy and began to assist his father very early. Farming has been his business all his life and the appearance of his well improved farm of one hundred and fifteen acres gives testimony that he is careful and competent in his work. He carries on a general farming line and raises stock for his own use.

On March 9, 1889, Mr. Ewoldt married Miss Laura Matthiesen, and they have five children : Arthur, Linda, Albert, Emil and Eddie. All the sons are now at home although two of them were in military service during the World War, Albert being with the American Expeditionary Force in France, and Eddie in training at Camp Funston. They are all fine young men who are a credit to the family and county.

WILLIAM WRAGE. - Hall County has an unusually large proportion of well developed, finely improved farms, indicating that the business of farming is carried on here by men who have made a study of agriculture and take a deep interest in their vocation. One of the successful farmers of this county is William Wrage, who bears a fine old pioneer name that has been held in respect here for over sixty years.

William Wrage was bom in Hall County, September 18, 1863. His parents were Hans and Abirline (Stoltenberg) Wrage, both natives of Gennany and were young people when the came to the United States, the father in 1857 and the mother about 1861. They were married after coming to Hall County, and became the parents of the following children:

William, who has spent his life in Hall County; Frederick and Hammond, both of whom died in infancy ; Anna, the wife of Claus Tagge, of Prairie Creek, Nebraska ; and Emily, who lives with her brother William. Hans Wrage came to Hall County in 1857 with the large German colony that settled here at that time, and like the majority of them, was pessessed of little money. He was equipped with a good trade, however, and after he had secured a pre-emption claim and a tract of railroad land, he worked for his neighbors as a carpenter, not only putting up houses for them but cutting logs with which to build. All the first houses were built of logs, frame houses were not erected until a sawmill was put in operation some time later. He was honest and industrious all his life and acquired two hundred acres of land which he greatly improved. He became well known in the county and was highly respected. Mrs. Wrage died when forty-seven years old, the father survived until the age of sixty-two years.

William Wrage was reared on the home farm and began farm work while yet a young boy, taking responsibility when his father was engaged in carpenter work. He obtained his education in the country schools and was twenty-five years old before he started out to farm for himself and has never desired to change his vocation. He now owns two hundred acres of fine land on which the improvements are modern and substantial, and carries on a general farming line according to methods which he has proved to be most profitable.

On June 12, 1889, Mr. Wrage married Miss Annie Arp, who was bom in Germany, and the following children have been born to them : Hermiene, the wife of Gustave Baasch, of Alda township. Hall County ; Alvin, who lives at home ; Arnold, who assists his father ; Max, who was a soldier in the American Expeditionary Force in Europe, now at home ; and Ebiline, Linda, Hulda and Alvia, all of whom reside with their parents. Mr. Wrage is a good citizen, always interested in township matters, such as schools and good roads, but he has never been willing to accept public office and has kept out of politics.

CONRAD LASSEN, a leading farmer, highly respected citizen and trustworthy pubHc official of his township, is a representative of a family that was established at an early day in Hall County, and ever since its members have been prosperous and self respecting citizens of their various communities, sound, reliable people.

Conrad Lassen was born in Davenport, Iowa, December 20, 1863. He is one of a family of fourteen children born to John and Catherine (Heuricks) Lassen. The father was born in Germany in 1823 and the mother in 1833. They came to the United States in 1855, landing at the port of New Orleans. They then came up the Mississippi river as far as Davenport, Iowa, where the father worked at the brickmason trade until 1864, when he decided to locate in Nebraska and secure land on which his large family of children would have a chance to develop. He came into Hall County driving a team of oxen. Here he homesteaded and later bought some good land and in the course of years acquired one hundred and sixty acres. With the help of his sons he improved his land and was permitted to live long enough to enjoy the comforts won by his industry. Of his children, Conrad was the sixth bom, the others being as follows : Margaret, the wife of Hans Obemiiller, of Farwell, Nebraska; Anna, the wife of Aleck Shoemaker, a native of Canada; Mary, deceased, was the wife of Dirk Schweiger, of Grand Island ; John, who lives in Canada ; Katie, deceased, was the wife of Claus Clausen, of Grand Island; Hannah, the wife of Dedloff Mathiesen, Hall County; Sherman, who lives in Washington township, Hall County; Agatha, the wife of Hans Pahl; Dora, who died at the age of ten years; Lydia, married Jake Wright; Harry who lives in Canada ; Eveline, who is the wife of John Bushman, of Grand Island ; and a child that died in infancy.

Conrad Lassen began to make himself useful on the farm in boyhood. As opportunity oft'ered he attended the country schools, but his time was mainly taken up in assisting his father. In 1885 he established himself on a farm and through hard work and business prudence, finally became the owner of three hundred and sixty acres, which he placed under cultivation and has substantially improved. Mr. Lassen carries on a general line of farm production and is classed with the best agriculturists of the county. He is a self made man, having accumulated his comfortable fortune through his own eft'orts.

In 1885 Mr. Lassen married Miss Ida Roby, sister of Gustav Roby, who belongs to a prominent old Hall County family, and they have two children, Dora and Nancy. Dora was married first to Rudolph Werner and after his death she became the wife of Paul Schweiger. Nancy is the wife of Hanney Lindaman, of Grand Island. Mr. Lassen and his family be- long to the Lutheran church. Although independent, in politics, his personal popularity has been shown by his election to important offices. In 1906 he was elected to membership on the county board and served two terms, at times being chairman of the board, and recently has been again elected and is serving on the board with his accustomed efficiency. He has served as president of the Plattsdeutchen society at Grand Island.

GUSTAV ROBY. - The farming interests of Hall County are in safe hands as long as sound, practical men like Gustav Roby devote their time and energies to their development. From ancient times agriculture has been the most important of all industries, and as the world grows older and more populous its increasing importance becomes evident. The Roby family has been an agricultural one in the main, ever since its founder came to Hall County in pioneer days. A leading representative, well known all over the country, is found in Gustav Roby, whose two hundred acres of land lie not far from Grand Island.

Gustav Roby was born in Hall County, April 14, 1865. His parents were Frederick and Johanna (Lillienthal) Roby, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to the United States in 1861, finding this country then in the throes of civil war. They were humble, peaceful people in search of better living conditions than their own land had afforded them, and as quickly as their resources permitted, made their way as far west as Davenport, Iowa. They were not satisfied there, however, as farm land was the desire of their hearts, and two years later found them in Hall County, ready to claim a homestead. It is told in the family of the father that when they came here, the expenditure of ninety-five cents for the purchase of a mesquito net was a serious drain on his capital, but before he died his signature at any bank would have been gladly honored, for he owned a thousand acres of land. To his original homestead he added tract after tract of land and went into the stock business, proving to be a fine man of business when he had sufficient opportunity. Of the eight children born to Frederick Roby and his wife, the following are living: Gustav, who lives in Hall County; Dora, who is the wife of HenryStoltenberg, formerly of Hall County, now of Merrick County; Arthur, who lives on the old home place in section eight, Washington township; and John, proprietor of Harmony Hall, at Harmony, in Hall County, Nebraska.

Gustav Roby grew to manhood on the old homestead in Washington township and attended the country schools. It has been thirty years since he started out as a farmer on his own account and all these years have been busy ones. Thirty years ago the farmer knew less about soils than he does now and fewer types of farm machinery were on the market, yet Mr. Roby found profit in his farm undertakings, although, perhaps, he had to labor harder than now. He is a man of progressive ideas and has his land well improved and well stocked. The buildings which give a substantial appearance to his place were all erected by him, and all the other improvements are the. work of his hands. His two hundred acres are carefully cultivated and his annual yield is very satisfactory.

On March 13, 1889, Mr. Roby married Miss Catherine Schroeder,, born in Germany, who came to the United States when nineteen years old, whose people came to Hall County in 1881. To this marriage the following children have been bom : John, who lives with his own family in Center township. Hall County; Anna, the wife of Alfred Werner, lives at Doniphan; Bernhardt, who lives with his family in Washington township ; Linda, at home; Johanna, the wife of Emil Lucht, of Cairo, Nebraska ; and Ida, Daniel and Irma, all of whom live at home. Mr. Roby is a good citizen and is interested in everything that promises to benefit Hall County, but he is not active in politics and belongs to no political party. He decides public questions for himself and votes according to his own judgment.

FRANK EWOLDT, a well known resident and highly respected fanner of Center township, is operating the old homestead that his father secured in 1870, where he was bom, November 23, 1876, the son of Claus and Dora (Schroeder) Ewoldt.

The father of Frank Ewoldt was bom in Germany, eight miles from Kiel, March 5, 1837, a son of Paul Ewoldt. He came to the United States in 1864 and lived in Davenport, Iowa, until 1870, when he came to Hall County soon buying one hundred and twenty acres of land, sulDsequently he added to this until at the time of his death he owned one hundred and sixty acres, all of it having been improved through his own industry. He retired in 1909 and bought four lots and a spacious resi- dence in Grand Island where he passed his last years in great comfort. His death occurred July 31, 1917. He frequently told his children of his first coming to Hall County and of driving back to Iowa with his span of mules, and when he returned to take up his permanent residence, a railroad had been built. In early time he hauled his grain to market at Fort Kearny. In 1868 he married Dora Schroeder, a native of Germany and a daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Stroben) Schroeder, and the following children were born to them: Augusta, who is deceased ; Llizabeth, the wife of Paul Mohr, of Montana; Frederick, who is deceased ; Dora the wife of Ernest Matthiesen, of Washington township; Frank, who is a farmer in Hall County; Mate, the wife of Frank Schwieger ; Paul, who is deceased; Mary, the wife of Wilham Otis, died in Texas leaving four children, three boys and a girl, also three others who died in infancy. ; William, who is deceased ; and Frieda, the wife of Fred Dreibus, of Grand Island. The mother resides with Mr. and Mrs. Dreibus.

"Since boyhood Frank Ewoldt has been interested in farm pursuits. In 1901 he rented one hundred and sixty acres of land and operated that until he took charge of the old homestead, which he rents and conducts very successfully. In 1901 he married Miss Daisy Graham, and they have had four children, the only survivor being Frank, a manly youth of fourteen years who is attending school. The Ewoldts are all prominent and substantial people, making no particular display but possessing solid qualities.

AUGUST SCHOEL, a member of a very prominent family in Hall County, which located here in an early day and has always been respected and esteemed, is a successful farmer and stockraiser in Center township. His parents were Henry and Mary (Becker) Schoel, natives of Germany, who after coming to the United States lived for a short time in Iowa. In 1857 they came farther west to Hall County where Henry Schoel homesteaded near Grand Island. They had four sons, all of whom are fanners in Hall County: Charles, northeast of Grand Island ; Fred, on the old homestead ; William, near Alda; and August, on section thirty-two Center township.

August Schoel began to assist his father on the farm when he was a schoolboy, for in those days, when there was little labor saving machinery to be procured, the industry of all hands was needed. Mr. Schoel, like other members of his family, is in independent circumstances, owning a finely improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres.

On March 12, 1899, Mr. Schoel married Miss Emma Luth, a daughter of Fred and Minnie Luth, who reside in Hall County, southwest of Alda. Mr. and Mrs. Schoel have an adopted son, Charles Schoel, now aged nine years, who has found a good home and kind foster parents.

JOHN THOMSSEN, a representative citizen of Hall County, having large business interests and at times having served in offices of trust and responsibility, belongs to one of the real pioneer families of this section. His father settled here in 1855 or 1856, when the entire county was practically a wilderness.

John Thomssen was bom in Hall County, May 6, 1870, the( son of John and Anna (Stehr) Thomssen, natives of Holstein, Germany. Both came young to the United States, the father in 1860 and the mother in 1857. Of their five children, John was the youngest, the others being: Henry, who died when about forty-seven years old ; William, a farmer in Hall County; Fred, who lives in Hall County; and Emma, the wife of John Scholtz. The parents were people of industry and thrift and uncomplainingly endured the many hardships that pertained to pioneer life. The father took up a homestead and kept adding to his original fami until, at the time of his death, he owned eight hundred and forty acres of finely improved land. While he was well known as a shrewd and careful business man, he was also known as a man whose word was as good as his bond. His mother is still living in Alda at the age of eighty-four, one of the four surviving women of the original thirteen in the colony that settled here in 1857.

John Thomssen attended the country schools and grew up on the old homestead where he afterward engaged in farming. In 1895 he was called from the farm to public office, having been appointed deputy county treasurer, in which position he served four years, when he was elected county treasurer and continued to engage in public business for two years longer. When he retired from the treasurer's office he returned to the farm and interested himself for the following seven years in agricultural pursuits. In the meanwhile, however, he made plans to enter business in Alda, and in 1909, when he had perfected them he founded the Alda State Bank, since which time he has given his attention to financial affairs entirely. The working capital of the bank is ample,, capital stock being $12,000 with surplus $8,000. The establishing of this bank filled a definite need and its affairs are well managed by Mr. Thomssen and his associates, who command public confidence.

Mr. Thomssen married Miss Christina Oltmann, who was bom in Hall County, a daughter of John Oltmann, an old settler in this section. JN'Ir. and Mrs. Thomssen have three sons : Eli, Emil and Arthur, aged respectively eleven, nine and five years. The family attends the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Thomssen has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years and belongs also to the order of Highlanders.